Upside
It would seem Samsung has a new direction for its premium handset range: pile everything in. Not only does the INNOV8 feature an 8-megapixel camera, which in itself is no mean feat, it also includes every other sought-after smartphone feature we can think of — HSDPA, Wi-Fi, A-GPS.
While Samsung's Omnia tackles Apple's iPhone 3G head-on, the INNOV8 will be a direct competitor to Nokia's hotly-anticipated N96. Both phones share nearly identical dimensions, the INNOV8's slider form measures 106x54mm with a 17mm depth. Screen dimensions are also very similar, both phones offer a 16 million colour QVGA resolution screen over a 2.8-inch viewing space.
With a strong focus on media playback and with support for DivX, H.264, MP4 and WMV video codecs, we love Samsung's approach to internal storage. Similar to the Omnia, the INNOV8 will be released in 8GB and 16GB models and both will feature microSD expandable memory support up to an extra 8GB.
But, of course, the 8-megapixel camera is the feature that will gain the most interest, and from the specs sheet this interest is valid. The camera software will include smile-detection auto focus, auto panorama, image stabiliser and 30 frames-per-second VGA resolution video recording. Samsung's image quality is definitely on the rise, but the INNOV8 will have stiff competition from Sony Ericsson's C905 8-megapixel camera phone.
Time will tell if DLNA media sharing becomes next year's must-have mobile feature but we're definitely excited to test out what it's capable of. DLNA stands for the Digital Living Network Alliance and refers to a relatively new networking protocol being used for media sharing by a number of large electronics companies, namely Sony. This means you should be able to easily stream media from your Samsung INNOV8 to your Sony Bravia TV, PS3 or any other DLNA compatible computer or appliance.
Downside
The inclusion of an LED photolight instead of a more powerful Xenon flash is a shame but shouldn't be a deal-breaker for such a high-specced handset. Strangely we haven't seen as many Xenon flashes this year as we might have thought, given the sheer usefulness of having a brighter flash.
Samsung's battery life rating of eight and a half hours talk-time sounds excellent, if not a little optimistic. With HSDPA, Wi-Fi, GPS and DLNA networking to play with, plus a high-res camera, we'd be surprised to see battery life much better than two days between charges. We'll be sure to test the battery thoroughly as soon as we get the INNOV8 into the labs.
Overall
They say you're either an Elvis or a Beatles person. When it comes to smartphones you're either into touchscreens or mechanical input. If you shied away from the iPhone 3G because you can't stand the thought of not having a keypad then the INNOV8, like the N96, might be for you. Anyone who has been anxiously awaiting Nokia's N96 may want to take a closer look — on paper the INNOV8 seems to be a nose ahead.
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sonthach
07/10/2008, 10:06 PM
rating
6/10
Can anyone do a comparison of this phone with the Sony X1? All comparisons seem to be with the N95, but I'm looking to choose btw the Innov8 and the Xperia. Any thoughts?
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abhishek
16/09/2008, 04:05 PM
rating
10/10
good phone
but one thing missing
" touch screen "
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omran2001
08/09/2008, 10:00 AM
rating
10/10
its $389.95..check amazon
Pros: hope i get one
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{Babii.Z}
30/08/2008, 09:33 PM
rating
10/10
This is PERFECT! My dad is going to buy it for me on contract for my 14th birthday on November 3rd!!
Oh, and on another review, I read that its about 780 Euro's, which is about £628.
Pros: GREAT camera/good looking/thin/touch screen/fast + more
Cons: I can't think of any :)
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KEVIN
27/08/2008, 12:31 PM
rating
10/10
WHEN CAN I GET IT???
Pros: GOT ALL FANCY SPECS.
Cons: HOW MUCH IS IT??
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alvin
25/08/2008, 06:27 PM
rating
10/10
how much does it cost i wan it badly tis is the phon wif the function the i nid 4ever
Pros: cool phone
Cons: can anyone tell me how much it cost pls
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aLcino
21/08/2008, 03:55 PM
rating
9/10
Does this have a keypad? Or its 100% touch screen.
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Smile-Baby-94
14/08/2008, 01:06 PM
rating
10/10
it looks really pretty and nice but im a 14 yr old who has to pay for it myselfs;;
how much is it ???
and is it really good quality
Pros: looks perfect for me and i love how it has an 8 megapixel camera just what i need.
Cons: i have no idea how much it is
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kc
04/08/2008, 10:45 PM
rating
10/10
Wow looks great in spec and hopefully quality. Don't know to go for this or the Omnia.
Pros: for me everything
Cons: for me none that i can see yet
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ashey43
04/08/2008, 05:08 PM
rating
10/10
Great phone and great brand.
Why do these people always dis Samsung? I work in mobiles are Samsungs are definatly the most reliable handsets
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